The Long Hard Road to 4000 (lives saved).
In January 2025 the Goons of Tough Guy Book Club started the long hard hike on the Road to 4000. Saving 4000 lives in one year is a bloody hard task. Some said it was a number too great. A mountain too steep. Did we do it?
Hell yeah, we knocked the bastard off!
Each year since 2022 the Goons have challenged themselves to saving lives by donating blood, plasma or platelets. Each donation saves up to three lives and by the end of that first year we had saved a total of 756 lives. We asked, how many more could we save? In 2023 the Road to 2000 was set, a new side-quest for the whole year. Well, we smashed it. So, we aimed for a higher peak. The Goons responded and took up arms. Like we said, these guys like a challenge. In 2024 we went large and saved over 3000 lives.
There is always a need for these donations. See, the problem is that red blood cells only have a shelf life of 42 days. For Platelets it’s even shorter at just five days. Which just shows why continuous donations are needed. The Red Cross says that each year 1 in 3 people need blood, while only 1 in 30 donate. With a small portion of the population donating this makes the task harder than needed. Regular donations are essential. This is the same issue in all countries where TGBC has chapters.
Some of the guys are regular donors and kept up their schedule. A few hit their own personal milestones this year and received prized LifeBlood socks. Our constant posting in our Facebook Pool Hall group about the #RoadTo4000 encouraged some Goons to donate for the first time. Brian Talbert (Yelm, WA Chapter) said he was, “Totally inspired by TGBC to get beyond some simple fears to donate for the first time. Didn’t pass out. Got a cookie. That’s a good result.” Great work Brian!
If you’ve been thinking about rolling up your sleeve, get in touch with your local blood donation organisation now. If you’re not sure, ask a fellow Goon to join you on the day. Heck, organise a group from your Chapter! Plus, it’s a good excuse to spend an hour reading the monthly book. Don’t forget, there’s free pies and choc milk after donating*.
There is also an added bonus of receiving the coveted Blood Barron poker chip, awarded to all Goon’s who donate in a set month. Keep an eye out for the announcement in 2026. Maybe just knowing you’ve helped save some lives is your motivation. Whatever gets you in the chair.
If everyone who was eligible donated, even at least once a year, the supply issues wouldn’t be so urgent. For now, Tough Guy Book Club will continue raising the bar and getting shit done. Can we save 5000 lives next year? There’s nothing tougher than helping those in need.
*This is purely based on the Australian Goon’s experience.
By C. H. Yelverton
